Replace or rebuild transmission?

[jabjab]

I have a 2001 honda crv that I drive for winter that has a newer engine and lots of recent maintenance done.

In order to stop a small oil leak I have had both axle seals replaced and the oil pan gasket. It appears that it's still leaking from the axle seals. I've been told that's it's probably the transmission that will need to be replaced.

What would be the most cost effective, rebuild or buy a used one?

[bourge73]

You need a second opinion /shop right now. Or get new friends
if they told you that. What would make you suspect the tranny? How is it driving /shifting regardless of a leaking axle seal?

[Maxx Mazda]

Replacing a transmission due to leaky axle seals?? Jesus, I hope you don't actually believe that...

[jabjab]

When the previous owner had the engine installed I guess the shop had not aligned the tranny right when the axel causing some play when driving and from what I remember the shop said that because of that new axal l seals might keep leaking.

Tranny shifts fine when driving it.

[bourge73]

Perfect now fix the leaking axle seals and keep driving
Next time don't ask anyone but beyond for mechanical advice

[jabjab]

Originally posted by bourge73
Perfect now fix the leaking axle seals and keep driving
Next time don't ask anyone but beyond for mechanical advice

I've already replaced both axle seals 4 months ago and the leak is back. My concern is I don't want to keep replacing them if replacement of the tranny is actually correct

[J-hop]

Originally posted by jabjab


I've already replaced both axle seals 4 months ago and the leak is back. My concern is I don't want to keep replacing them if replacement of the tranny is actually correct

Did you try having the axle seals replaced?

I would look for a second opinion preferably from a transmission specialist shop. I'm trying to understand how a misaligned transmission would be damaged beyond repair. Potentially there was a constant stress on the output shaft that has created play as you described and now the output shaft just tears apart the seals.

Explain everything to the second shop and if they conclude the same see what their prices are for rebuild vs replace. One option is picknpull. If yours is a 2001 that makes it a first gen right? There are a couple 99s there right now. That is an option but of course you don't have any gauruntee you'll grab a good trans and it will be a painful job.

[jabjab]

Anyone recommend an honest transmission shop? Would the place that replaced the axle seals before warranty any of the work if it fails in less than 6 months? I did go to someone who specializes in honda

[bourge73]

Pm 'd

[bourge73]

Edit : pm didn't work sorry for the double post urrrggh
I can help you with a shop if you can contact me tks

[raceman6135]

I'm a domestic car guy, and don't know much about this particular Honda transaxle, but I'm wondering if the output shaft bearings or bushings (whichever this vehicle uses) are worn so much that the shaft moves so much the seals can't do their job?

And perhaps on this transaxle, the output shaft bearings/bushings can't be replaced without partially disassembling the transmission?

If that were the case, by the time you disassemble both sides to replace the bearing/bushing, you might as well pull the entire transaxle and replace with a rebuilt one.

The labour charge to drop the transaxle, partially disassemble, replace the bearings, reassemble, and then reinstall the transaxle would be higher than simply R&Ring the entire assembly.

For example, on a GM TH400 transmission, there is an output shaft bushing at the very end of the tailshaft (right behind the seal) that can be replaced rather easily by removing the tailshaft. However, there is also a bushing further inside the case, and it can only be replaced by dropping the transmission and completely removing all the internal components in order to remove the output shaft. If you have to go through all of that work, you might as well replace friction discs and steels, bands, and a few other things while in there.

We certainly need more details about WHY the seals failed before we simply suggest throwing more seals at it.

A second inspection may reveal that the CV shafts are in bad shape where the seal rides (maybe a groove is worn into them, or there are nicks or burrs that damage the seal when the CV shafts are installed), which could also explain why seals that are only a couple of months old are already leaking.

[jabjab]

Just came back from the shop that did the work. They believe it's tranny fluid leaking where the speed sensor is. It's pretty wet with fluid and gunk so I've sprayed brake cleaner, engine cleaner and then power washed it. Going to drive it for a week and get a better idea of where it is exactly leaking from. I guess I can't by a seal that is around the speed sensor but have to buy the whole sensor if it is leaking from there. Also checked the transmission fluid level is near the top of the max level

[Maxx Mazda]

It's usually just an O-Ring around most speed sensors. So while you might not be able to get a specific one from Honda without buying the whole sensor, any proper sized $0.02 O ring should do the trick.

[ExtraSlow]

Don't spray any more brake cleaner there. That shit is bad for rubber.

[jabjab]

Originally posted by Maxx Mazda
It's usually just an O-Ring around most speed sensors. So while you might not be able to get a specific one from Honda without buying the whole sensor, any proper sized $0.02 O ring should do the trick.

I wonder why they didn't suggest this?

[carson blocks]

Originally posted by jabjab


I wonder why they didn't suggest this?

Because they don't make as much money replacing a 25 cent o-ring. Plus, there's always the slight chance that it doesn't work or they pick the wrong one. Factory part is a safer bet for them, makes them more money, and they're not paying the bill, you are.

Time to learn to turn wrenches?

[jabjab]

It almost makes sense to take out my speed sensor, go take the old O ring to a parts store and get the same one. Put it back and watch to see if its leaking again.

[jabjab]

Originally posted by Maxx Mazda
It's usually just an O-Ring around most speed sensors. So while you might not be able to get a specific one from Honda without buying the whole sensor, any proper sized $0.02 O ring should do the trick.

Where is a good place that carries a vast array of O rings?

[Maxx Mazda]

Anywhere. Shit, I got a 250 count pack of various sizes from Princess Auto for like $5

[mzdspd]

Originally posted by jabjab


Where is a good place that carries a vast array of O rings?

Hi-tech seals